Anybody following the Dakar Rally?

Has anyone been following the Dakar Rally in South America?

I'm mostly interested in the bikes. As for bikes, the #81 KTM 450/EXC is being ridden by Ned Suesse. Ned and the #19 Yamaha YZ450 ridden by Jonah Street are both supported by groups of individuals of which I'm proud to count myself as one. Ned's from Colorado and this is his first Dakar Rally but not his first rally race. He started 81st and has moved up to 46th (of the bikes). Jonah had a run of bad luck this year (he's been racing the Dakar since 2006) and has withdrawn from the rally and announced his retirement from rally racing. Jonah is from Washington State.

Anyway, Toyota content. I read a bit about this vehicle's driving team and figured I'd post a pic of their entry.


Kinda sad that the drivers of this rig couldn't get along...maybe they needed hugs



The rally has taken place in South America for the last four years and is scouted (usually) by drivers in a Hilux. You can read more at www.dakar.com. And American followers can watch daily highlights on Versus/NBC Sports channel--the rally runs through the 15th of January.

 

looks like the Mini Countrymans are kicking @ss.

 

Those Mini's are pretty bad ass.

Today, Ned called in and talked a bit about the transit over to Chili. Today's stage was cancelled and the competition vehicles left the bivouac along with the assistance trucks (they left last). Sounded like an awesome ride along with some awesome scenery. Pretty cool to get a participant's view of the event.

You can catch some of Ned's calls on www.rallyraidio.net.

OBTW, Ned is now the first place American!

 

Here we are; near the end. Today was the last "real" stage of the Dakar. Ned's made it through and is in the bivouac sipping a cold one.

Tomorrow, 65miles (long liaison and short special) or so separate Ned from the finish of his race of a lifetime. Pretty awesome if you ask me.

Descending the dunes:


River crossing:


Racing:



Been a great Dakar year. Sorry to see Jonah Street out so early but so happy to see Ned do so well.

 

awesome! Wish I had TV to follow this.

 

YouTube. There are stage summaries there.

 

My buddy Tivo'ed it for me so I can watch it next week while I am cat sitting for him. It'll be over but it should still be fun to watch.

 

Looks like it would be a really great experience.

 

This morning was the end of the rally. Yesterday was the last competitive section although there was racing today, it's a bit like that last bit of the Tour de France where it's a casual ride to the finish--well, casual for the participants.

Anyway, Peruvian TV carried the podium finish. Ned finished in the middle of the pack of 97 finishers. Not bad for his first Dakar Rally.

I grabbed this screen shot and the smile says it all (you have to know him).



Congratulations Ned!